DALLAS, TX.- It’s back!! One of the world’s most famous gold nuggets has returned to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Texas. The Ausrox Gold Nugget, a true rock star in the gem and mineral world, was on loan as part of the original collection that debuted in the Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall when the Museum opened to the public in December 2012. In 2015, the precious mineral headed south to the Houston Museum of Natural Science but is now back in all its glittering glory.

Incredibly, this treasure, found in the Eastern Goldfield of Australia, was discovered by three prospectors using a hand-held metal detector.

“This is the remarkable story of three miners who, back in 2010, were in the wilderness of Australia armed with just a metal detector and a small tractor. Imagine their shock coming upon a piece of gold about the size of a basketball and weighing over 50 pounds – and then later learning that it was among the largest in the world,” said a spokesperson for The Pinnacle Collection, which owns the nugget. “This discovery is a terrific illustration of the important scientific contributions made by amateur collectors and every day citizens. We are thrilled to share this remarkable specimen with guests at the Perot Museum.”

Tipping the scales at 23.27 kilos or 51.29 pounds, the Ausrox Nugget is regarded as the third-largest gold nugget still in existence. While the bullion value of the nugget is already substantial, the size and rarity of the Ausrox Nugget combine to make its worth invaluable in the collector market.

“From the days of the ancient Egyptians and the California gold rush, to our modern-day financial markets, gold has retained its value, power, beauty and mystique,” said Dr. Linda Abraham-Silver, the Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer of the Perot Museum. “We’re delighted to welcome the Ausrox back to Dallas and encourage everyone to experience this rare and priceless specimen.”